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Posted by Robert
Rap News Network
2/26/2004 1:28:17 PM
Tags and topics realted to this article include Mystikal and Beanie Sigel.
With Over 25 Rappers Currently Locked Up on Charges Ranging from Parole Violation to Murder, The Source Investigates Whether Rap Artists Are Being Targeted by the Criminal Justice System?
- Gripping March Issue Includes Interviews with Incarcerated Rappers
& Tells Personal Stories of Life in The Big House -
March 2004 – Hip-hop fans savor the fictitious tales of lawlessness and debauchery many rap stars often convey in their music. However, there is a harsh reality that some of hip-hop’s biggest MC’s are facing – serious time. The March issue of The Source goes behind bars after the music stops to investigate whether rappers are being unfairly convicted and gets the lowdown on prison life with Slick Rick, Beanie Siegel, Mystikal, Ras Kass, Suge Knight and others in Operation Lockdown.
Ricky Walters aka Slick Rick became famous for his storytelling style. Now he’s infamous for being arrested and charged with self-deporting and illegally reentering the U.S. After being recently released, the ruler is now back home and has another story to tell (“The Once and Future Ruler” page 112):
Slick Rick on the injustice of being incarcerated: “The I.N.S. doesn’t care about the human side of things. They never focused on my accomplishments or that I was a father, son, husband, brother and landlord.”
As Dwight Grant aka Beanie Sigel stays close to home under house arrest for an attempted murder and illegal gun possession charges, he ponders on what’s next for him in hip-hop (“Black Steele in the Hour of Chaos” page 120):
Beanie Sigel on putting the pieces to his life back together: “I just want to get back to work and do what I do: make music and run these companies. I prepare myself for the worst and pray for the best.”
Michael Tyler aka Mystikal told his female fans to “Shake Ya Ass” but he didn’t take his own advice and “watch himself”. After being convicted of extortion and sexual battery last year, Mystikal’s attorney David Bourdin discusses the plea deal that got him a reduced sentence (“Sum of All Fears” page 110):
Attorney David Bourdin on his satisfaction with Mystikal’s six-year sentence: “Sometimes a bird in the hand is better than two in the tree. The video tape of the incident is so inflammatory that it would have been very damaging if it had been presented in an aggravated rape case.”
John Austin aka Ras Kass is steadfast in maintaining his sanity and career while serving 16 months for driving under the influence but vows not give in to the system (Get Free or Die Trying, page 116)
Ras Kass on making personal changes once he gets out: “I’m not changed, I made a mistake. God forgives; The State of California don’t. God willing, I’m smart enough to never make the same mistake again, because it costs you.”
Some other hip-hop artists/executives included in “Operation Lockdown” include:
Chi-Ali Griffith (Murder & Gun Possession)
John Forte (Drug Possession with Intent to Distribute)
Project Pat (Aggravated Robbery & Parole Violation)
Suge Knight (Firearm Trafficking, Assault, Parole Violation, etc)
Pimp C (Aggravated Assault with a Weapon)
Find out more about Mystikal. Other items you may find on Mystikal include updates, news, multimedia, chat, links and more. Click here... Find out more about Beanie Sigel. Other items you may find on Beanie Sigel include updates, news, multimedia, chat, links and more. Click here...
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